‘Project Runway’ Finalist Dead After Battle With IBS

Mychael Knight, a fashion designer and finalist on Season 3 of Project Runway — during which he won the fan-favorite award — has died after a battle with IBS, which led to a weakening of his immune system, according to The Washington Post.

The Post reported Knight died outside of Atlanta while surrounded by family and friends. Obvious editor and friend Jerris Madison said Knight was constantly fulfilled by his work, and was actively pushing fashion to be a more inclusive place.

“He died doing what he loved,” Madison said. “And you can see that in his final collection presented (last month) at New York Fashion Week. It was amazing. The industry has lost a true innovator. Mychael was just getting to that point where people were saying ‘Hey, I remember this guy.’ He was about to be huge and really wanted to capitalize on affordable sportswear for women of all sizes.”

"He made sure that anybody who was in his core circle, his family, his friends, didn’t have to want for anything. He was just an amazing man," Madison added.

Lifetime spokeswoman Dee Perez also offered condolences to Knight's family for the loss of a true artist.

“We are saddened to hear about the passing of a member of the Project Runway family,” Perez said. “It’s a loss of a great talent and we wish his family peace and solace during this difficult time.”